The people in California are no stranger to ants. Ants are a fairly common insect that are known to pilfer sugary crumbs in the pantry or food left out in their grasp, deliver painful pinches when they are in defense of the nest, and the other common markers that make us recognize these little critters. There are several common species known to the area, including Argentine Ants, and we at Animal Pest Management would like to share some of the fundamentals of them.
Argentine Ant Identification
Argentine ants coloring ranges from light to dark brown, feature 12 segments on their antennae, and measure about 3/32 – 7/64 inches in length. These ants are an aggressive invasive species known for displacing native ants. Argentine ants are also a major nuisance as a home-infesting pest. They are attracted to moist areas such as mulch, under piles and debris on the ground, and near the home foundations. The pests may use gaps and cracks around the house to retreat inside to escape the cool weather in the fall.
Argentine Ant Supercolony Behavior
Argentine ant nests support multiple queens, resulting in rapid reproducing rates. Their colonies are enormous having hundreds of thousands of worker ants. Argentine ants spread bacteria wherever they go because they are drawn to decay and waste. They quickly invade human dwellings and will kill other insects. If given enough time, their interconnecting colony networks become a massive infestation. Argentine ants do not establish new nests through swarming, while other ant species have seasonal nuptial swarming flights. They mate inside the nest; however, a queen Argentine ant will leave her nest on foot to establish new colonies due to temperature or colony pressures. Workers are sometimes shared between colonies because new nests are constructed around the original and often connect to the original colony.
Signs of Argentine Ant Infestations
The most visible sign of Argentine ants are their foraging trails. You can see their marching trails traversing up trees, buildings, and even into homes. They can nest in a plethora of places as they are very adaptable. Hundreds of queens could be ruling these massive colonies. Along sidewalks or beneath boards, next to or under buildings are a few examples as to where Argentine ants will nest; typically needing moist soil. They travel in trails, as they forage for food; preferring sweets. However, Argentine ants are omnivorous, which means they will eat nearly anything. As previously mentioned, Argentine ants can easily live in soil found under logs, debris or mulch as well as wood. They can also nest in at the base of shrubs and trees. Argentine ants are the same size and will feed on sweets, honeydew and oily household foods.
Ant Inspections, Control, Removal & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
These ants can be a challenge to get rid of because of their numbers and the many queens and connecting colonies. If you suspect or know you have Argentine ants in or around your home, call the experts of Animal Pest Management and let our trained professionals eliminate the Argentine ants invading your home. We use proven quality products to ensure these pests are completely neutralized. Contact us today!